Pastor Max Villatoro supporters keep the home fires burning

First anniversary of deportation is only days awayby Lynda WaddingtonThe Gazette

Many things have been taken away from a deported Iowa City pastor during the past year, but he still has his friends.Max Villatoro, a Mennonite pastor, was forced onto a plane March 20, 2015, and flown to Honduras. It was the first time in more than 20 years that he had set foot in the country where he was born.Left behind were his wife and their four children, the Iowa City religious congregation the couple had established and a host of loyal friends.“Max was a friend to many people and a minister of the gospel. His absence weakens his community, his family and his church,” said Roger Farmer of Washington, a member of the group aptly named Friends of Pastor Max. “I want to do whatever I can to help him return, and also to protect others in similar situations.”The simple sentiment is indicative of the scarlet thread of truth woven throughout a year of advocacy that shows no sign of slowing. Read the full story here